Spencer Destroyed by Fire in 1896

(04/29/2001)

Transcribed by Norma Knotts Shaffer from microfilm
of the Calhoun Chronicle dated 11/10/1896 and 11/17/1896.

11/10/1896
Wm. Hosey came from Spencer last night and informs us that almost the
entire town was wiped out by fire Sunday night. We have no information
as to the origin of the fire, nor the estimated loss, except that all the
stores were burned but two, the bank, two hotels and in fact, everything
is laid desolate. The same territory, except the court house, burned
about nine years ago.

11/17/1896
The following figures have been given out in reference to the losses
to the citizens of Spencer in the recent fire:

The First National Bank will not be as heavy a loser as would be at
first supposed, as all of the valuable books papers, etc., were in the
fire proof vault. This still remains too hot to be opened, so that
the fire's effects upon its contents cannot be told. The loss to
the bank is in its furniture and fixtures.

The origin of the fire remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, although
there is very good reason to believe it started in a gambling room over
Simmons general store. A game was running at this place which broke
up in a row. During the trouble a lamp was knocked over which set
fire to the building. A sensational fact in connection with this
is that a brother of the proprietor had his throat cut from ear to ear
while in the room. The story given out by those in the trouble is
that he sustained the cut jumping through a window after the fire had started
but the story is discredited by nearly everyone.